Shloka 17
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
महार्हवर्माभरणा नानारूपाम्बरायुधा: । सरथा: सध्वजा वीरा हता: पार्थेन शेरते,अर्जुनद्वारा मारे गये संशप्तक वीर बहुमूल्य कवच, आभूषण, भाँति-भाँतिके वस्त्र, आयुध, रथ और ध्वजोंसहित रणभूमिमें सो रहे थे
mahārhavarmābharaṇā nānārūpāmbarāyudhāḥ | sarathāḥ sadhvajā vīrā hatāḥ pārthena śerate |
અમૂલ્ય કવચ-આભૂષણોથી શોભિત, નાનારૂપ વસ્ત્રો અને આયુધોથી સજ્જ તે વીરો—રથો અને ધ્વજો સહિત—પાર્થ દ્વારા હત થઈ રણભૂમિમાં પડ્યા હતા.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical gravity and impermanence inherent in warfare: even those adorned with great wealth and martial insignia fall when confronted by decisive, duty-bound action. It implicitly contrasts external splendor with the ultimate vulnerability of embodied life in battle.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna (Pārtha) has slain a group of warriors; their bodies lie on the battlefield still associated with their chariots and banners, despite their costly armor, ornaments, varied garments, and weapons.